Pikeville College - Academic Affairs - Division of Mathematics & Natural Sciences - Department of Biology

Department of Biology

A biology degree from Pikeville College provides students with an education that has both intellectual breadth and depth of exposure to modern biology. Graduates will have acquired a strong foundation in the physical and natural sciences and will be able to think and read critically and to gather and analyze experimental data. These factors give Pikeville College biology majors the critical analytical skills and techniques necessary for many types of careers in industry, business and government. It is very common for biology graduates to embark on postgraduate or professional degrees. These provide a useful means for specializing in certain subject areas and/or acquiring research skills. Many of those who do enter work immediately after graduating choose work that is related to their degree.

Apart from specific subject knowledge, students gain a number of skills which are highly regarded by employers: organizational skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, critical data-interpretation and communication skills. In addition, graduates will have a broad scientific understanding that is adaptable to a multi-disciplinary approach, numeracy skills and statistical awareness. Each of these are useful and necessary in many fields of employment.

To study biology is to explore the amazing diversity of life – from the fundamental processes taking place within and between the molecules of cells, to the interactions among populations of living creatures throughout our vast global ecosystem. Biology is a fast-moving discipline, always striving to push beyond the barriers of present knowledge to uncover new insights and wisdom about life and its many processes. Students who major in biology at Pikeville College will find a program designed to encourage the development of biologists who are aware of the conceptual substance of modern biology as well as able to communicate that awareness.

Faculty

Mark Bolt
B.S., Alma College
Ph.D., University of Missouri - Columbia

Harold S. Chittum
B.S., East Tennessee State University
M.S., East Tennessee State University
Ph.D., East Tennessee State University

Clare C. W. Whittaker
B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
A.B.D., Southern Illinois University

Joseph C.Whittaker
B.A., DePauw University
M.S., University of Minnesota
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University

Click here to visit the Department of Biology course pages.